Place

Courthouse Towers Viewpoint and Trailhead

green trees turning yellow beneath red sandstone towers and a cloud-patched sky
Flashes of fall color light up Courthouse Wash.

NPS/Neal Herbert

Quick Facts

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto

Imaginatively named sandstone features surround this parking lot. A wayside describes fallen arches. Hike the Park Avenue Trail from here to avoid its steep stairs.

  • Roundtrip Distance: 1.8 mi (3.2 km) 

  • Time: 1 hour 

  • Elevation Change: 322 ft (98 m) 

  • Difficulty: Moderate 

  • Hike Description: The trail traces a mostly smooth canyon bottom uphill, then ascends rock-cut stairs to Park Avenue Viewpoint. For an easier walk, turn around at the base of the stairs. Roundtrip hikers: please remain on the trail both directions rather than walking along the road.  

  • Accessibility: This trail requires walking on sand, uneven surfaces, and at least some stairs. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. 

  • Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal? 

Do the rock features at Arches tickle your imagination? Names people have given to nearby towers include The Three Gossips (or Three Kings), Sheep Rock, The Organ, and Tower of Babel. A small arch called Baby Arch is visible in the rock wall to the left of Sheep Rock.

Arches National Park

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Last updated: June 10, 2022